Job Summary
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with an annual budget of approximately $3.2 billion and a staff totaling approximately 215. NIGMS provides a national focus for the Federal effort to support research that increases understanding of life processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS-funded researchers seek to answer important scientific questions in fields such as cell biology, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, biological chemistry, biomedical technology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and specific cross-cutting clinical areas that affect multiple organ systems. NIGMS also provides leadership in training the next generation of scientists to assure the vitality and continued productivity of the research enterprise.
The Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD) supports programs that foster the development of a strong and diverse biomedical research workforce. The division funds research training, student development, and career development activities through a variety of programs ranging from the undergraduate level to the doctorate and beyond. TWD-funded initiatives include among others National Research Service Award fellowships and training grants, Pathway to Independence Awards including the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers program, Career Awards, Bridges to the Baccalaureate, Maximizing Access to Research Careers, Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement, Initiative for Maximizing Student Development, Post-baccalaureate Research Education, Bridges to the Doctorate, and the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards. TWD also administers the Common Fund Diversity Program Consortium.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to set scientific priorities, lead change, and improve the biomedical research enterprise. The TWD director is a key member of the NIGMS senior leadership team and supervises a staff of approximately 13 program officers. There are also opportunities to participate in and advise on HHS- and NIH-wide activities and collaborations with other federal agencies.
Information about NIGMS is available at: https://www.nigms.nih.gov/.
Required Qualifications
NIGMS seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and diverse organization. Applicants must possess a M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral level degree in health or allied sciences as well as research experience, management experience, interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have considerable research and/or research administration experience and knowledge related to the NIGMS mission. In addition, candidates should have professional experience in the training of research scientists as well as programs aimed at developing a diverse biomedical and behavioral research workforce. Candidates should also possess recognized research management and leadership abilities. The position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.
Benefits
The Director, TWD will be appointed at a salary commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and experience. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.
Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure
The National Institutes of Health inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at NIH Ethics Website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.
Foreign Education
Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on Foreign Education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
If selected, you will be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.
Reasonable Accommodation
NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.